First Degree Perineal Laceration
Definition:
- 1st degree lacerations involve only the mucosa of the vestibule and dorsal vulval commissure and are the least severe injury
- May be associated with unassisted delivery of a large foal or as a sequelae of dystocia
Management:
- They can usually heal spontaneously.
- If there is however significant damage a Caslick’s procedure can be used for repair. The clinician may choose to wait until swelling has subsided or till granulation tissue has started to form.
- To aid in recovery the mare can be given bran mash or mineral oil to facilitate defecation during the initial inflammatory period.
Drugs that can be used in management:
- Should at least use tetanus prophylaxis, broad-spectrum antibiotics and NSAID therapy
- Daily wound cleaning and antiseptic cream can be applied to the area to encourage healing and aid in prevention of infection
Drug class | Drug name | Recommended dosage and route | Volume of drug to be used |
Prophylactic drug | Tetanus toxoid and antitoxin | 1mL IM | --------- |
Antibiotic | Procaine Penicillin | 22,000-44,000 units/kg IM every 12 hours (25,000 units used) Conc: 1,000,000units | 11.25mls |
Analgesia | Flunixin meglumine | 1.1mg/kg IV or IM once daily up to 5 days Conc: 50mg/ml | 9.9ml |